First Generation Philips 642 Stopped Playing DVD+R DL

[somebodeez]

My first generation Philips 642 stopped playing DVD+R DL discs (Verbatim). These same discs use to play just fine in it and still do play fine in my other players.
The player in question still continues to play other discs (such as DivX data discs and retail DVDs) ok...

When popping in a DL, it behaves as though it is trying to get ready to play it but then just stops and nothing happens.

Is she starting to die ?

[dvdguy4]

I bought one last year and I loved it until it just stopped working . Doesnt play anything so I believe your player is on its way out . Have you cleaned it with a disc cleaner or canned air?

[somebodeez]

Thanks so much for your reply.
No luck after using a cleaning disc.
How do you go about using canned air on it? Just through the opened tray or is opening up the casing required?

[handyguy]

Take off the top, you can see your laser. Clean it with a qtip & some alcohol.

Do this when it's unplugged. Speaking of unplugging, did you try to unplug it for a few minutes? This resets any appliance.

[somebodeez]

Sorry for taking so long to get back -

It's starting to sometimes sputter on AVIs now (I've encoded them myself for proper playback on this player, burned on TY DVD+Rs and they play find & dandy on my other 642)

I've unplugged it, took the top off, can aired it (although it only had just a very few specks of dust in it) used alcohol & QTip, left it unplugged for about 20 minutes but no improvement.

[Krispy Kritter]

Sounds like it is definetly on its way out. Time for an upgrade to a better unit.

[jman98]

My Philips DVP-642 is 3 years old and it still works, but I do have problems from time to time with Verbatim DVD+R DL discs. Most DL discs are fine, but a few have problems loading. I only use Verbatim media and ImgBurn to burn. This is not really a very robust player and it may be nearing the end of its life. This model tends to run hot and if you don't have it in a very well ventilated area (I do, which is probably why mine still works), it will eventually burn out.

Do note that most cheap DVD players aren't really designed for long term use. If you get a few years out of them you've done well. They deliberately make them thin because the marketplace likes it and it has the "advantage" of making the players burn out faster, which means you have to buy a new one in a couple of years or less. If you want a DVD player that will last for years, you need to buy something with higher quality like an Oppo.

[somebodeez]

Thanks for the responses and suggestions!

I only use Verbatim for DL & ImgBurn too (I've been paying attention, )

I would love to have an Oppo however the price isn't doable at this time.
I've got my eye on the Pioneer DV-400V-K but haven't had any luck finding out if it is packed bitstream & VBR audio capable.
https://forum.videohelp.com/topic333248.html#1747317